Malcolm GauldRising fairly early, I walked into Concord proper for some coffee. Then I just kept walking. Before long, I found myself at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Having heard about its famous “Author’s Ridge,” I proceeded to stroll-&-sip until I found it.
Again, I was visited by that same feeling of inspiration that filled me a mere 18 hours before when my Hokas had carried me to North Bridge. Except this time, instead of celebrating “embattled farmers,” this venue holds the graves of some of the most legendary philosophers/writers our country has ever produced. Should it ever become possible for us to listen to ghosts talk among themselves — Wait… There’s already an App for that? — I’m heading to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
First up, Thoreau & the Family Stone.
Look closely and you’ll see Henry David listed as the fifth name down.
If you’re looking for an example of that classic Concordesque understatement, check out the stone designated specifically for the best known of the Thoreaus. (I mean, how cool/laid back is that?!?)
Lo and behold, the same vibe continues with Louisa May Alcott, complete with stones and pine cones.
And here’s my fellow Bowdoin College — “Go U Bears!” — graduate Nathaniel Hawthorne:
You might have to strain to see Ralph Waldo Emerson’s grave, set off by a low chain fence. (Note the two walking sticks presumably left by passing admirers.)
Here’s the inscription:
Seeing Emerson’s and Thoreau’s graves so close together, I could not help but ponder the anecdote that Stu Blackburn, my Hyde sophomore English teacher, told us when we were studying Emerson and Thoreau’s respective embodiments of the concept of civil disobedience. While serving time in jail due to a taxation protest, Thoreau was visited by Emerson, his mentor. Emerson asked, “Henry David, why are you in here?” Thoreau replied, “Ralph Waldo, why are you out there?” (Thought I’d throw that in lest any current college students think they invented the notion of civil disobedience.)
Hard to believe that such deep personal inspiration (of two different realms) is available at separate locations situated less than a mile apart from each other. But again, you won’t get it if you just drive by North Bridge or Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. You gotta park the car, get out, and start walking. It’s worth it. Thanks, Concord.
Onward, Malcolm Gauld
